JACK & THE BEANSTALK

Great to be back in the Library Theatre to see Griffins Annual Pantomime, and as always I was delighted to be able to see the production twice, as there were two casts of youngsters.

The Director had done a fine job in keeping things moving, by not relying on blackouts, but making sure scene changes were effected during on stage action, which kept the audience engaged. 

Lighting was really good, including the Giant’s footsteps, an interesting effect for when Fleshcreep was casting a spell on the Princess, to green spotlight and the ever-present glitter ball.  Good lighting for when Jack pulled the sword from the stone, and the UV scene was also well-accomplished by all.

Sound was also good, I heard every word, and it was lovely to see some younger members given lines, which they delivered with aplomb. Mostly the costumes were good and colourful.

The music generally fitted the feel of the panto, everything was well sung, and there were some lovely harmonies in several numbers.  Most of the band were young people, who all played extremely well, with an experienced keyboard player and MD, making the music appreciated as a real part of the production.

There was plenty of audience participation, and in the second house particularly the kids went mad, really raising the roof.

A punchy start with Fleshcreep and the Veg Fairy, leading to a good opening number.  The adult ensemble worked well together, and accomplished the fairly simple but effective choreography well.

I was absolutely charmed by the junior ensembles for both performances, they all knew exactly what they were doing, even the smallest ones, a special shout out for them, as they were brilliant.

Richard Chatterley (Dame Trott) was the consummate Dame.  Richard has the experience to keep a certain calmness and not going completely over the top, which I like, whilst giving us everything we needed from a Dame, the sauciness along with innuendo, lots of interaction with the audience, I always enjoy Richard’s performances, and this was no exception.

Luke Murphy (Jack) did his usual sterling job, in keeping his portrayal believable amongst the other larger than life characters,  whilst Anna Woods (Billy) was a real madcap as Jack’s brother, loads of energy and fun, very well done.

Carla Pointing (the Princess) was charming and sang extremely well, she made the part her own, and created a good foil to Jack and Terry Hayden (the King) as her bumbling father, who eventually struck up a touching relationship with Dame Trott! 

Peri Lynn (Fleshcreep) was an excellent villain, we were happy to boo her right from the start, whilst Georgia Spicer (the Fairy) was very to the point, a good pairing of opposites.

Sinead Crampsie (Spik) and Elise Harriman (Span) were very upright as the King’s soldiers, I liked their salute armography, and they reacted well with each other, nicely accomplished.

Kate Johnson (Mrs Blunderbore) was very full on and radiated ill-will towards the children, but showed her enjoyment in being able to get her own back on Fleshcreep!

Allanah Rogers (Clara Clanger) was a very effective town crier, looking good and holding her own against the other characters, with some comedy moments when she rang her bell and exclaimed when she shouldn’t!

I liked the comments about Caroline the Cow’s costume, worn by Ciara Horsford and Kyra Spratley, they did a good job.

There was plenty of true pantomime ‘business’ and a few new ideas that worked in well, lots of comedy along with energy and enthusiasm, an extremely good afternoon/evening’s entertainment.

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